Environmental Product Declarations
The lecture discusses the importance of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which are
standardized documents providing transparent and verified information about a product's
environmental impact. EPDs are based on lifecycle assessments (LCAs) and ISO standards,
making them comparable between companies. They cover indicators like global warming
potential, water use, energy consumption, and waste, and can also include specialized data,
such as cruelty-free sourcing for materials like down. For example, Patagonia uses a
consultancy firm to verify the source of down in their products.
EPDs help manufacturers by showcasing their environmental credentials, identifying areas for
improvement, and improving sustainability. For consumers, EPDs offer insights into the
environmental impact of products, helping them make informed, values-based purchasing
decisions. EPDs are developed by sustainability consultants, and various certifications validate
the process, making this sector a significant part of the sustainability industry.
Building Certifications
Green Building Certifications, such as LEED, WELL, and the Living Building Challenge, aim to
promote sustainability in construction. These certifications help increase property value, reduce
operating costs, and improve occupant health. The process involves earning points for various
sustainable design strategies like energy efficiency, water use reduction, and improved air
quality. The more points earned, the higher the certification level, such as Gold or Platinum.
Consultants, often accredited by certifying organizations like USGBC or IWBI, play a key role in
guiding buildings through the certification process. These professionals typically undergo
training programs and maintain accreditation by paying dues. Although the certification process
can be bureaucratic, it is seen as valuable, especially for large projects. However, criticisms
include focusing on easy-to-achieve points that may not have a significant environmental impact
and overlooking broader issues like urban design. Additionally, the certification process can be
expensive, favoring larger projects over smaller, resource-efficient ones.
Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainability certification in farming focuses on ensuring that agricultural products meet
environmental and social standards. Consumers and regulators increasingly care about
sustainability, prompting consultants to help farmers measure and report their impact using life
cycle thinking, especially through supply chains. Certification organizations, such as
SureHarvest and the California Sustainable Wine Growing Alliance, offer evaluations based on
various factors, including environmental impact, working conditions, and animal welfare. These
certifications often consider Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) concerns.
Consulting in this field requires specialized experience and credentials. Programs and degrees
are available, but professionals recommend gaining relevant experience first. A case study is
Fairtrade International, which certifies products like coffee, bananas, and chocolate, ensuring
that farmers and workers in developing countries meet social and environmental standards.
However, there are criticisms, such as the lack of significant positive impact for farmers and the
low percentage of the consumer markup reaching the farmers. Despite these challenges,
sustainability certification aims to improve farming practices globally, but achieving tangible
benefits is complex.
Sustainability Management
Sustainability managers in large corporations like Walmart, Unilever, and General Motors are
responsible for making the business more sustainable. They perform tasks similar to
sustainability consultants, including writing action plans, conducting ESG analysis and reporting,
calculating carbon footprints, minimizing waste in supply chains, and promoting sustainability
efforts. These roles can often be transitioned to from more standard positions, especially if
individuals have key skills like quantitative lifecycle analysis. Sustainability is increasingly a
mainstream value, and companies have dedicated sustainability departments staffed with
various professionals, from associates to chief sustainability officers.